Nidorino Best Moveset
72 Attack at 65 Speed with more offensive presence than the female line but still short of competitive. Hidden AbilityHustle adds unreliable power. The moveset has Poison TermStab but one evolution from Nidoking's A-tier AbilitySheer Force offense.
Nidorino saw minimal competitive use in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow). This was Nidorino's competitive peak. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 55.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Blizzard
- Body Slam
- Double Kick
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Nidorino saw minimal competitive use in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal). Nidorino maintained its position from the previous generation.
Utility Moveset
- Hidden Power Fire
- Protect
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Nidorino saw minimal competitive use in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald). Nidorino maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran poison point with Sitrus Berry, favoring a Relaxed nature.
Wall Moveset
- Sludge Bomb
- Double Edge
- Poison Sting
- Toxic
Nidorino saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). Nidorino maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Poison Point with Chestoberry, favoring a Jolly nature.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Poison Jab
- Rest
- Sucker Punch
- Head Smash
Recommended Teammates
Nidorino saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). Nidorino maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Hustle with Eviolite, favoring a Adamant nature.
Physical Attacker Moveset
- Hone Claws
- Sucker Punch
- Drill Run
- Poison Jab
Recommended Teammates
Nidorino saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). Nidorino maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran poison point with Eviolite, favoring a Bold nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Sludge Bomb
- Poison Jab
- Venoshock
- Poison Tail
Nidorino saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Nidorino maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Hustle with Eviolite, favoring a Adamant nature.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Poison Jab
- Drill Run
- Sucker Punch
- Hone Claws
Recommended Teammates
Nidorino saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Nidorino maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Poison Point with Eviolite, favoring a Modest nature.
Special Tank Moveset
- Sludge Bomb
- Toxic Spikes
- Earth Power
- Disable
Recommended Teammates
Nidorino Weakness
Ground and Psychic moves hit Nidorino for super-effective damage. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Only 2 weaknesses makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ground, Psychic |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Fighting, Poison, Bug, Fairy |
What is Nidorino Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Nidorino
Garchomp can KO Nidorino with Earthquake (159-187%). Alakazam threatens a KO with Psychic (167-197%).
 Garchomp DragonGround | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityRough Skin ItemRocky Helmet NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Nidorino View Garchomp builds →Earthquake 2x159-187%KO | ||
 Alakazam Psychic | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Nidorino View Alakazam builds →Psychic 2x167-197%KO Shadow Ball50-59% Dazzling Gleam25-29% | ||
Evolution
Nidorino is partway through a three-stage line between Nidoran♂ (male) and Nidoking. The chain involves an evolution item, so it's not a straightforward grind. So far, Defense got the biggest boost (+17 from Nidoran M). The final form adds another 140 stats on top. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
How to Get Nidorino
Nidorino appears at decent spawn rates across 20 spots in mid-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Nidorino in BDSP
Nidoran♂ (male) is your first catch on the way to Nidorino. You'll find walking and special encounters from Lv. 2-63 across 38 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch Nidoran♂ (male)Route 201Lv.3Using PokeRadarShining PearlRate 20%Route 201Lv.2Using PokeRadarBrilliant DiamondRate 2%Bogsunk CavernLv.58-63GrassPost-gameDazzling CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameStargleam CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSwampy CaveLv.58-63GrassPost-game
Step 2Nidorino ✓Valor LakefrontLv.21-22Using PokeRadarShining PearlRate 20%Route 221Lv.29Using PokeRadarShining PearlRate 20%Valor LakefrontLv.22Using PokeRadarBrilliant DiamondRate 2%Route 221Lv.30Using PokeRadarBrilliant DiamondRate 2%Bogsunk CavernLv.58-63GrassPost-gameDazzling CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameStargleam CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSwampy CaveLv.58-63GrassPost-gameor evolve from Nidoran♂ (male) (Step 1)
Step 3Evolve into Nidoking
Nidorino doesn't appear wild. Catch Nidoran♂ (male) instead, it shows up at solid rates. Evolve it through a special method to get Nidorino. The 3-stage chain is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Nidorino in SwSh
Nidoran♂ (male) is your first catch on the way to Nidorino. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 60-65 across 66 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch Nidoran♂ (male)Giant's BedLv.60-65OverworldRate 100%SandstormOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 35%Normal WeatherGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 26%ThunderstormGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 26%Normal WeatherGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 26%RainingGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 26%SnowingGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 26%OvercastOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 25%RainingOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 25%Intense SunGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 24%Intense SunGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 24%SnowstormGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 22%Heavy FogOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 22%Heavy FogGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 21%RainingGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 21%SnowingGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 21%OvercastGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 21%ThunderstormGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 21%Normal WeatherGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%SnowstormGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%OvercastGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%Heavy FogGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%SnowingGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%Normal WeatherGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 20%RainingOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%ThunderstormOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 20%Normal WeatherOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%SnowstormOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%OvercastOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%SnowingGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 19%Intense SunGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 19%SnowstormGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldSwordRate 17%Heavy FogOld CemeteryLv.60-65OverworldShieldRate 17%Heavy FogGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 16%Intense SunGiant's BedLv.60-65GrassRate 16%ThunderstormOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%OvercastOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%RainingOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%SnowingOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%SnowstormOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%Heavy FogOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 16%Intense SunOld CemeteryLv.60-65GrassRate 14%Thunderstorm
Step 2Nidorino ✓BREEDINGAvailableLeave Nidoking with a compatible partner at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Nidorino egg.
Step 3Evolve into Nidoking
6 encounter spots for Nidorino at decent spawn rates starting from mid-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Nidorino in LGPE
To get Nidorino, start by catching Nidoran♂ (male) through walking encounters at Lv. 3-46. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch Nidoran♂ (male)Route 22Lv.3-4GrassRate 20%Route 9Lv.17-22GrassRate 15%Route 10Lv.18-23GrassRate 15%Route 23Lv.41-46GrassRate 10%
Step 2Nidorino ✓Route 9Lv.17-22GrassRate 5%Route 10Lv.18-23GrassRate 5%Route 23Lv.41-46GrassRate 19%or evolve from Nidoran♂ (male) (Step 1)
No wild encounters for Nidorino in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. Bring Nidoran♂ (male) over from Red & Blue, Yellow, or Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
How to Obtain Nidorino in USUM
Step 1Obtain Nidoran♂ (male)CARTRIDGE TRADEAvailableCatch in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee via Walking · Route 22, then trade to the current game via link cable.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Red & BlueNot TradeableAppears in Red & Blue via Walking · Route 22. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom YellowNot TradeableAppears in Yellow via Walking · Route 9. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Gold & SilverNot TradeableAppears in Gold & Silver via Walking · Route 35. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom CrystalNot TradeableAppears in Crystal via Walking · National Park. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom FireRed & LeafGreenNot TradeableAppears in FireRed & LeafGreen via Walking · Safari Zone. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Diamond & PearlNot TradeableAppears in Diamond & Pearl via Pokeradar · Route 201. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.- Step 2Nidorino ✓
Step 3Evolve into Nidoking
Base Stats
Nidorino's stats barely vary. None sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 2 Attack EVs, 1.06M XP medium-slow curve to max.
With a horn that’s harder than diamond, this Pokémon goes around shattering boulders as it searches for a moon stone.
Nidorino Guide
Nidorino isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Nidoking to unlock its full potential. At 365 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Poison Point has a 30% chance of poisoning attacking Pokémon on contact. That's the one you want on Nidorino. Hustle is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Rivalry works too if your team needs something different.
Nidorino fills the balanced role. It's a mixed attacker with base 72 Attack and 55 Sp. Atk. At base 65 Speed, it won't be moving first often.
Nidorino does the job early-game if you need a Poison type on your team. Evolve it into Nidoking before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Game Availability
Nidorino has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 19 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves